Hyderabad: Telangana witnessed a surge in liquor sales ahead of the Dussehra festival, with authorities reporting cumulative sales of Rs 800 crore in the four days leading up to the celebrations. The early rush was fueled by the coincidence of Gandhi Jayanti with Dussehra this year, prompting large crowds to line up at wine shops across the state.
Excise department figures indicate sales of Rs 200 crore on September 28, Rs 278 crore on September 29, approximately Rs 333 crore on September 30, and around Rs 86.23 crore on October 1. With local body elections also taking place in September, total liquor sales for the month reached Rs 3,046 crore, including 29.92 lakh cases of IMFL and 36.46 lakh cases of beer. In restaurants, an average of one full bottle of liquor or beer was reportedly sold every ten minutes.
Compared to September 2024, liquor sales rose by over 7%, with the combined Rangareddy district, including Hyderabad outskirts, recording the highest numbers. Last year, total sales during the ten-day Dussehra period were Rs 1,100 crore. Liquor continues to be a major revenue source for the state government, and the festival season often surpasses excise department projections. Despite government orders to close mutton and chicken shops on Gandhi Jayanti, many outlets reportedly remained open.